Symptoms & Diagnosis
My name is Prakshi. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at age 29. I had a history of heavy bleeding, often brushed off as usual and nothing worrisome. My symptoms worsened during the lockdown. Later on, it was diagnosed as stage IA Endometrial Cancer after further assessments. With this – A radical hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy were put in place for me. Women with a family history of endometrial cancer, especially those whose relatives had early-onset disease, should be aware of the early warning signs. Symptoms can include heavy or prolonged bleeding and unusual vaginal discharge.
As a cancer survivor, I was aware of many of the symptoms of endometrial cancer including bleeding, pain, and fatigue. However, in my case, it was not until the physical examination that led me to suspect endometrial cancer. Finally, when doctors did an ultrasound and found a lesion in my uterus, they knew what they were looking for.
So, what’s about Endometrial cancer? It’s uterine cancer. It usually begins in the inner lining of the uterus. It’s usually diagnosed when it has already spread into nearby tissue or organs. The symptoms vary depending on the stage of the cancer. You may have abnormal menstrual bleeding, vaginal bleeding after menopause, pain, or pressure in the pelvis, weight loss, back pain, anemia, fatigue, and constipation or diarrhea. Your doctor will find out if you have endometrial cancer using tests and an exam.
Side Effects & Challenges
There are some challenges associated with my medical menopause. I feel cheated and very angry at times. My jaw feels stiff, itchy, and overall uncomfortable. One day, I will be a 100% healthy female and the next day, I am put into medical menopause. It is such a huge change in my life that it never seems real until I realize that my period has not come for over 6 months! My body changed and it was not easy to deal with but if we choose to be positive in our thinking, things get easier. There are also advantages to this as well such as no periods/ovulation pain. In fact, there was some evidence that if one can go through menopause at an early age rather than later in life then potentially it would increase longevity of life. Although, being mature may mean more healthcare resources are required by older women since they tend to suffer great chronic illnesses than younger women.
So, the first thing that came to my mind after being diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer was “Why me?” But when it comes to you – well, that’s another story. You feel cheated and angry. The answer? Life is not fair. And you don’t have many convincing answers for things like cancer. It just happens and the acceptance comes gradually. But you shouldn’t think of yourself as any less to everyone else simply because of your illness. You are entitled to live life fully despite the challenges that come your way. Your sufferings do not and should not define you. It should only empower you. We are all more robust than we think, and we are here to bloom!
Support System & Caregivers
When I was diagnosed with cancer, it was a very overwhelming experience. I had many questions and I was feeling overwhelmed by the treatments that the doctors recommended. However, the right support system and a caregiver you can rely on will help you get through this difficult time better. For me, it was my family and the healthcare professionals that made sure I felt seamlessness with the treatment procedures and surgery. Making sure you have the right support system and caregiver can have a profound impact on your ability to adapt, cope, and survive cancer. Cancer can be a very challenging experience, but it does not have to be if you are well prepared. Understand the importance of having a support system and caregiver during your diagnosis.
My family, friends, and doctors I got treated through, they were doing everything possible to ensure that I feel the best care and satisfaction. Therefore, in order to get the best care possible through your cancer experience, it is important to surround yourself with the right support system. Your family and friends can be an integral part of your healing process, but you will also want to seek help from a medical professional who knows how to provide guidance and support in a way that is right for you and your situation.
Post Cancer & Future Goal
I am very lucky to be cancer free now. With God’s grace, I have managed everything and now I am living my life for a better tomorrow. My thoughts are that if you focus on each moment of life, everything will just be fine. This is why; I want to share my experience with others and make them think about their health too. If you are fine, then it’s good; if not, then do something with it.
I always thank God to give me a healthy body and brain so that I can do all these things that I enjoy. It will not be hard for me because I have full confidence that I can handle any situation easily. I have always been a positive thinker and this journey has not changed me! It has simply made me more sensible to the beauty of life and more appreciative to my family, friends, and the people around me. My advice to those who are going through similar situations would be don’t lose hope and continue doing good things in life – we never know when this will all end so while you are breathing in, there are things that need your attention out there!
My biggest goal is to live my life. I want to spend quality time with near and dear ones. I have been going through a lot of upheavals, but now I am looking forward to getting my life back on track and enjoying every moment of it! After all, can we really control everything or our lives? Not really! We just have to accept what life has given us. And take a positive lesson from every situation/experience in life. Recently, I have been looking back on my life, trying to find joy in any challenging moments and finding gratitude for those who helped me through. From there I have learned that (1) taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body and (2) focusing on the good life is a key to happiness.
Some Lessons That I Learned
I learned a lot about myself during cancer treatment. I was more vulnerable and emotional than I had ever been before. The chemo put me in touch with my own mortality. It also made me realize how many wonderful people there are in the world – even when you least expect it! When it comes to cancer treatment, you want to make sure you are working with the right care team. It should have world-class expertise in each of the treatment options offered, so you can have confidence that your care is in good hands.
When I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer, getting the news sent my life spiraling out of control, but it also gave me the opportunity to see what kind of person I really am beneath all the clutter and distractions. My one true fear about chemotherapy was that I would be a different person at the end of the treatment than I was when it started, peeling away layer after layer until all that was left was an empty shell. This did not happen. As scary as cancer is, it taught me more about what’s important in life and how to live each day with gratitude than any other experience on this planet. It is possible to have a fulfilling life even if you are going through treatment for cancer. I hope my story will inspire others who may be facing hard times as well!
After finishing chemotherapy, I was determined to move on with my life and live, not merely exist. To keep myself motivated, I created a list of goals for myself – things that I still wanted to do in my life after cancer. On a positive note, I now look forward to my future with confidence and I am in the process of creating a new and exciting life.
Parting Message
As soon as I observed certain symptoms on my body for this cancer, I immediately and proactively ensured to get through the tests and treatment requirements.
It is important to be aware of your body’s warning signs and symptoms. Having knowledge that you are having irregularities in your menstrual cycle is extremely helpful as it helps provide answers and solutions. By being more informed on the topics of Women’s health, you can be proactive in early detection and prevention, making sure to seek help if further signs or symptoms arise.
Many women suffer from heavy bleeding in the perimenopausal and menopausal ages. This bleeding is often dismissed as merely a reaction to stress, hormonal changes and aging of the body. However, there are some symptoms that may suggest cancer (uterine or endometrial). Heavy bleeding can be an indicator of various types of cancer such as cervical cancer or ovarian cancer, but it can also indicate endometrial cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms at a young age, see your doctor immediately.
